Thugs abduct 2 year old Malawi albino girl : Police launch manhunt

Malawi Police are on intensive manhunt for unknown people who have abducted a two year girl with albinism in the tobacco growing district of Kasungu.

Police spokesman in Kasungu Edna Mzingwitsa said Witney Chilumpha was taken away from a sleeping place she shared with her mother in Chidziyaa Village, Chief Kapeleru’s area in the district.

“The thugs entered the house by opening a glass shatter and took her away as the mother was sleeping. She discovered that her daughter was missing around 4 in the morning, that is when she shouted for help,” said Mzingwitsa.

She said the father was away when the incident happened.

This comes barely days after President Peter Mutharika issued fresh warning that his government would deal with those who abduct or kill people with albinism.

Mutharika then called on others like churches to assist in civic education to sensitise people stop abductions and killings of people with albinism.

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In Mangochi, the police seemed to have promptly heed Mutharika’s call as they have netted two people in connection with the murder of a one year boy in the district whose head was severed.

Machinga police publicist Davie Sulumba identified the two as Innocent Kennedy and Justin Masitala.

Sulumba said Masitala is a convict on similar case as he was earlier fined and released by Machinga Magistrates Court K20000 for being found with bones of a person with albinism.

The nine year old Harry Makishoni hailed from Kapoloma village and was abducted and killed in February.

Boniface Massa, President of the Association of People with Albinism welcomed Mutharika’s warning but said there was need for police to ensure police protection of the people even at grass root level.

“The president’s announcement is timely as abductions and killings are still happening now. These people neef police protection wherever they are,” he said.

He said there was also need for stiffer punishment of culprits to deter others.